Eugeneans use an estimated 67 million single-use plastic carryout bags each year. Single-use plastic carryout bags may offer short-term convenience, but they have long-term costs in terms of litter and impact on wildlife and the environment. In an effort to promote reusable shopping bags and reduce litter, the City of Eugene will implement a ban on single-use plastic carryout bags in all retail establishments within city limits beginning May 1, 2013.

All retail businesses, including grocery stores, departments and clothing stores, convenience stores and local markets located within the Eugene city limits will be required to provide only recycled paper bags or reusable bags as carryout bags for customers.